Back to top or Back to home page
Grays Harbor Estuary
Along the coast of Washington in Hoquiam and bordering on the city's Bowerman Airport, is one of four major staging areas for shorebirds in North America. Up to one million shorebirds gather-or stage, here in the spring to feed, store up fat reserves, and rest for the nonstop flight to their northern breeding grounds. This is one of the largest concentrations on the West coast, south of Alaska. Each spring, shorebirds come from as far south as Argentina and concentrate at the muddy tide flats of Grays Harbor Estuary. These Arctic-bound shore- birds are among the world's greatest migrants; many travel over 15,000 miles round trip! In recognition of the importance of this critical shorebird habitat,
Grays Harbor Estuary has been named a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network Site of Hemispheric Significance. About two dozen species of shorebirds use the Grays Harbor Estuary. The five most abundant species are the Western Sandpiper, Dunlin, Short Billed and Long Billed Dowitchers, and the Semi-palmated Plover. Western Sandpipers compose 85% of the shorebirds present in the spring. From June through October the shorebirds return to the estuary on their way south but in lesser concentrations. Thousands stay for the winter.
Back to top or Back to home page
-In order to protect this important shorebird habitat, Congress authorized the establishment of Grays Harbor National Wildlife Refuge in 1988. The Refuge is located in the northeast corner of the Grays Harbor natural estuary and is managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. It encompasses about 1500 acres of intertidal mudflats, saltmarsh, and adjacent uplands.
Back to top or Back to home page
Although Grays Harbor Refuge occupies only 2% of the intertidal habitat of the estuary, it hosts up to 50% of the shorebirds.
The Refuge's mudflats are the last areas in Grays Harbor to be flooded at high tide and the first areas to be exposed as the tide recedes. This gives shorebirds extra time to feed. Shorebirds must peck or probe almost continuously to obtain a constant supply of food. The mudflats provide an abundance of invertebrates for food and surrounding saltmarsh vegetation provides protective cover and roost sites. Other birds including peregrine falcons, northern harrier, red-tailed hawks, and a variety of waterfowl, wading birds, gulls, and terns are also present. The Refuge is also home to salmon, steelhead, crabs, clams, shrimp, and oysters. The uplands around the Refuge are used by black-tailed deer, coyotes, voles, and songbirds.
Back to top or Back to home page
Stay on the marked trails; avoid wandering onto the airstrip and airport hangar area. These are actively used for air traffic and helicopter training flights. Respect adjacent landowners! Pets are not allowed on the Refuge.
Back to top or Back to home page
(including kayaking) is not allowed on the Refuge. Park only in designated parking areas. Use the chemical toilets located at the parking area and along the hiking trial. If you pack it in, please pack it out!
Grays Harbor Refuge is open daily during daylight hours. Although present during the fall and winter, peak shorebird numbers occur during spring migration from mid-April through early May. Generally the best viewing times are two hours before until two hours after high tide.
Back to top or Back to home page
There is a one-mile trail to the tip of the peninsula. This is usually wet and muddy. Rubber boots are highly recommended.
Back to top or Back to home page
Parking spaces are designated near the airport and chemical toilet are provided. Shorebirds are generally visible during the highest tides from these parking spaces and from the hard surfaced airport road.
Back to top or Back to home page
Binoculars, spotting scopes, and cameras with telephoto lenses enable you to get closer views and photographs. Bird identification guides are also helpful. Wet and muddy trails require rubber boots and it may rain several times a day.
Back to top or Back to home page
The Port of Grays Harbor continues to make shorebird viewing possible by providing access for the shuttle bus and trail. Refuge volunteers assist with a variety of shorebird viewing activities including shuttle bus operations. Back to top or Back to home page Write or call: Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge 100 Brown Farm Road Olympia, WA 98516 Phone (360) 753-9467
Back to top or Back to CRC home page
Cooperators-
For More Information
This document built by HTMZALL from OS/2 DeScribe document
or Back to What's New
or Back to Nucor index page
Grays Harbor County Issues Page